Kirksville Connection for January 2024
The Cardboard Boat Race returns this month
You’ll want to save your Christmas gift boxes and put them to good use next month! Join the Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department on Sunday, January 21, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and take part in the Kids Cardboard Boat Race!
Children ages 5 to 16 can sign up as an individual or as a team of up to four people and put their building skills to the test. Participants must construct a boat structure using cardboard, duct tape and water-based paint, and attempt to make it across the pool in the fastest time. Teams will compete in age divisions based on the mean age of the team and can win in multiple categories, including Fastest Time and Best Design!
This event is completely free for all participants and spectators! Register today at parks.kirksvillecity.com.
City receives grant for road safety audit of U.S. Highway 63
The City of Kirksville has received notice that it has been awarded a Safe Streets For All grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The City will receive up to $96,000, which will be used to conduct a safety audit of U.S. Highway 63. The results of this audit will be incorporated into work being done by the Northeast Regional Planning Commission and used to justify and encourage support for safety improvements identified from the audit.
“Highway 63 is an important roadway for everyday transportation for the people of Kirksville that has allowed for great travel and recreation opportunities and economic growth,” said City Manager Mari Macomber. “Maintaining and maximizing safety on a critical part of infrastructure will always be crucial. This study will help continue that mission.”
A grant agreement between the City and USDOT will be completed over the next few weeks. Other details are not yet known at this time. Please stay tuned to official City communications for updates regarding this project.
Winter weather reminder
When winter weather comes, please be prepared to shovel your sidewalk. City ordinance requires either the tenant or owner of a property remove snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours after a snow event.
Please be considerate of your neighbors and keep sidewalks clear.
Take on a challenge with the Indoor Triathlon
Join Kirksville Parks and Recreation and the Adair County Family YMCA for the 2024 Indoor Triathlon Challenge.
The challenge will be held January 8 through March 10, 2024. During this nine-week challenge, participants will complete either a half triathlon, full triathlon, or ULTRA triathlon. Participants will have full access to the YMCA and the Kirksville Aquatic Center, as well as all classes offered at those facilities.
Biking mileage can be earned through the use of a rowing machine, recumbent or spin bike, outdoor cycling, or participation in group aerobic classes. Swim distance can be accumulated by lap swimming, water walking, or water aerobics classes. Running mileage can be tallied while on the treadmill, elliptical machine, running outside, or participating in group aerobic classes.
Those who complete their goal will receive the 2024 Indoor Triathlon sweatshirt.
Registration is $40 for members of either facility, or $80 for non-members. If you have an active membership at the YMCA or the Aquatic Center, please register at that facility. Non-members may register at either facility or online at parks.kirksvillecity.com.
Look back at 2023
Gander back at what happened in 2023 with some of our favorite photos from the year.
Follow the City of Kirksville wherever you want
It’s important to know when you’re getting information from the City of Kirksville. To do that, make sure you’re following official City of Kirksville channels.
The City’s website, kirksvillecity.com, is a great place to start. You can sign up for text or email alerts here: https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/publicUser.aspx?RegionId=1911.
The City is also active on several social media platforms, with some departments having their own pages.
City offices closed for MLK Jr. Day
City offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Offices will re-open Tuesday, January 16, 2024, for regular business hours.
January events schedule
First Day Hike, January 1, 10:00 am @ Thousand Hills State Park
Ring in 2024 with a guided hike on the Red Bud Trail. The hike will be approximately two miles long on rugged terrain. Meet at the Redbud Trailhead by the lake at 10:00 am. Make sure you have weather-appropriate clothes, comfortable hiking shoes and some water.
Kids Night for Truman State men’s and women’s basketball, January 3 @ Pershing Arena
Checkout the Bulldogs as they begin the 2024 slate of their schedule with games against the University of Indianapolis. The women’s team will tip-off at 5:15 pm and the men’s team will tip-off at 7:00 pm.
Truman State University Art Gallery @ Ophelia Parrish Fine Arts Center
Mobility: African-American Artists Abroad will be on display from January 23 through March 1. There will be a reception and talk at the gallery’s opening on Tuesday, January 23, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more info, visit https://www.truman.edu/majors-programs/academic-departments/about-the-art-department/art-gallery/.
Make sure to follow the Kirksville Tourism Department to stay up to date on what fun events happen in the City.
January meeting schedule
January 2: Lakes, Parks and Recreation Commission, 12:00 pm @ The Aquatic Center.
January 3: Kirksville Historic Preservation Commission, 4:00 pm @ City Hall.
January 8: City Council Study Session, 6:00 pm @ City Hall.
January 10: Planning and Zoning Commission, 6:00 pm @ City Hall.
January 18: Watershed Management Commission, 5:30 pm @ EDA.
January 25: Friends of Forest-Llewellyn Cemetery Committee, 4:00 pm @ City Hall.